Merchant Miner Mandarin : The Life and Times of the Remarkable Choie Sew Hoy

Merchant Miner Mandarin : The Life and Times of the Remarkable Choie Sew HoyDiscover the remarkable story of Choie Sew Hoy in 'Merchant Miner Mandarin: The Life and Times of the Remarkable Choie Sew Hoy.' This captivating biography delves into the fascinating life of one of New Zealand's pioneering entrepreneurs. First arriving in Port Chalmers in 1869 from Guangdong Province, China, Sew Hoy transformed the commerce and industry landscape of Otago and Southland. His journey began in China, continued through Australia, and

Discover the remarkable story of Choie Sew Hoy in 'Merchant Miner Mandarin: The Life and Times of the Remarkable Choie Sew Hoy.' This captivating biography delves into the fascinating life of one of New Zealand's pioneering entrepreneurs. First arriving in Port Chalmers in 1869 from Guangdong Province, China, Sew Hoy transformed the commerce and industry landscape of Otago and Southland. His journey began in China, continued through Australia, and culminated in his impactful life in New Zealand, where he became a storied merchant, miner, and man of significant influence.

'
Merchant Miner Mandarin' chronicles Choie Sew Hoy's groundbreaking contributions, including his successful store on Stafford Street in Dunedin and his innovative gold-dredging technology. This technology facilitated tremendous advances in the gold-mining industry, boosting fortunes across the rich goldfields of Ophir, Macetown, Skippers, Nokomai, and the Shotover. With a keen eye for opportunity, Sew Hoy engaged in ventures that reshaped economic landscapes, from exporting scrap metal back to China to developing the fungus trade in collaboration with local business icons.

A true visionary, Choie Sew Hoy was not only a shrewd businessman but also a beloved local figure, known for his elegance and charm. His involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, Jockey Club, and Masonic Lodge illustrates his deep-rooted presence and impact on the community. As a philanthropist, he generously supported hospitals and various social causes for the welfare of fellow Chinese immigrants. This biography is an essential read for anyone interested in New Zealand history, entrepreneurship, and the rich tapestry of immigrant stories that have shaped the nation.

**Delivery Information:**
- **Condition:** Brand New
- **Dimensions:** 210 x 265 mm
- **Pages:** 288
- **Bind:** Paperback
- **Authors:** Jenny Sew Hoy Agnew, Trevor Agnew
- **Publisher:** Canterbury University Press
- **Publication Date:** 19-06-2020

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 210 x 265 mm
Pages: 288
Bind: paperback
Authors: Jenny Sew Hoy Agnew, Trevor Agnew Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Publication Date: 19-06-2020

In 1869, a businessman from China’s Guangdong Province first set foot on New Zealand soil at Port Chalmers. It was the beginning of an illustrious career that would change the shape of commerce and industry in Otago and Southland. ‘Merchant, Miner, Mandarin’ depicts the fascinating life of Choie Sew Hoy – from his early days in China before emigrating to Australia and then New Zealand, to his death in 1901 as one of Dunedin’s most prominent entrepreneurs. The store Choie Sew Hoy established in Dunedin’s Stafford Street was a huge success, while his revolutionary gold-dredging technology improved the fortunes of the gold-mining industry in Otago and Southland. He backed dredging, quartz crushing and hydraulic sluicing ventures in the goldfields of Ophir, Macetown, Skippers, Nokomai and the Shotover. Sharp as a razor, Sew Hoy was a visionary, able to spot opportunities no one else could, whether sending vast amounts of unwanted scrap metal from New Zealand back to China, or joining famous Taranaki businessman Chew Chong’s fungus export trade. Sew Hoy was also a local character, always elegantly dressed and with legendary success in horse racing. His self-assurance and charm gained him entry to the Chamber of Commerce, the Jockey Club, the Masons and even the Caledonian Society. A benefactor to many social causes, he supported hospitals and benevolent associations to help his fellow Chinese immigrants. When the success of the C